Review: Top Albums Of 2009 (I)

It's that time of the year again, so while you're still digesting your turkey NME-Europe starts its musical round-up of 2009. You might have already had a glance at the 'real' NME's market-driven Top 50 (click here if you haven't), but NME-E feels this is a really independent (albeit totally subjective) review of what's rocked over the past 12 months.

Having featured around 50 albums in some depth, I found it difficult to whittle the contenders down to a Top 10, so this year will see a Top 20 review. Here's part one, positions 20-11.

20. Metric - 'Fantasies'

Eclectic third release from this US/Canadian quartet. Hard not to find something you like on this electro-pop cavalcade.






19. Windmill - 'Epcot Starfields'
A late entry to this year's list. A wonderful and wistful album with more than a hint of Mercury Rev.






18. Kasabian - 'West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum'
A little weak at times compared to previous releases but there are some raunchy vibes on here which make it a good listen overall.





17. Rinôçérôse - 'Futurino'
More funky French electro-pop, guaranteed to get your feet tapping.







16. The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart - 'The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart'
Quality indie-pop from NYC. An unexpected, yet much appreciated discovery.





15. The Prodigy - 'Invaders Must Die'
The hairline may be receding, but the attitude is still there. The Prodigy have sent out a warning to all invaders... It's their fat, their land and they're living off it. Read full review.





14. The Maccabees - 'Wall Of Arms'
When a debut album is as good as The Maccabees' 'Colour It In' - possibly the best album of 2007 in the eyes of NME-E - then the release of a follow up must be a daunting task. Read full review.





13. Cooper - 'Aeropuerto'
There are few surprises on 'Aeropuerto', lyrically sound and incisive backed by a tight Power Pop sound with apparent influences as wide-ranging as The Kinks, Paul Weller or Teenage Fanclub, which means there's generally something for everyone. Read full review.




12. The Rifles - 'The Great Escape'
With 'The Great Escape', The Rifles have stuck to the winning formula and who can really blame them when they keep churning out quality tunes. Read full review.





11. Bombay Bicycle Club - 'I Had The Blues But I Shook Them Loose'
The North London four-piece boast an intriguing combination of wicked riffs, majestic melodies and vicious vocals which result in an 12 track album which will rank among the best 2009 has to offer. Read full review.



So, there you go, Part 1 complete. Who'll be in the most prestigious Top 10 on cyberspace? Time will tell, but there a certain to be a few surprises in store...